Starting with Columbus’s expedition in 1492, the Spanish empire was able to expand over most of South and Central America and most of North America. While his arrival allowed for Spain to realize that the Americas existed and eventually travel there, other factors led to their success in colonization and industrialization. As a result of the Industrial Revolution which occurred during the late 1800s, Spain was able to advance in several technologies including weaponry and machinery. In fact, according to Bamber Gascoigne, “in terms of new technologies, the Industrial Revolution first appeared in Spain,” making it clear that because they were able to industrialize, their civilization also benefitted due to their increased quality of life as a result. If, during their efforts to colonize the Americas, Spaniards had not been able to establish industrialization, their society would have struggled economically under their weakness and inability to modernize their nation. Despite their later feuds in North America, it is clear that the outcomes of industrialization were crucial to the success of their structured society. Spain’s conquests to the New World were initially driven by the intentions of spreading …show more content…
Although both regions are from the same continent, their views on culture differ immensely causing for their success and interest in colonizing the Americas to differ. The English were mostly concerned about making a profit off of their claims, receiving praise for taking control, and spreading branches of Christian faith to former American residents. Most of the areas in which they settled were chosen based on their needs of farming and trading, making North America an ideal location due to the native people that lived there. Although they seeked specific trading opportunities, their relationship with the Natives would not allow that to be entirely successful. In this case, the English would rely on their supply of weaponry, money, and higher ranked figures to frighten the Natives enough to allow them to take control. The Spanish shared some similar motives with England such as their intention to spread their religion, find gold, and accept glory for their settlements. In this way, it can be concluded that European countries are religious, find interest in economic success, and are prideful in their accomplishments. Contrastingly, the Spanish empire is a more closely run with soldiers and merchants as the main colonists. It is interesting that instead of scaring the Natives into falling under their control like England ad done, Spain used